A peek at the hugely popular and controversial "Big Fat Gypsy Weddings" reality series in Britain.
(benitofarrelli)

(Newser)
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The new Big Fat Gypsy Weddings reality series in Britain is infuriating members of the traveler community who charge that the over-the-top shindigs have very little to do with them and are fueling prejudice. The Irish Traveler Movement has demanded a "right of reply" to the Channel 4 program, which recently featured a bride and her 200-pound wedding dress with Christmas lights and mechanical butterflies, and 6-year-old kids sporting spray tans. "The show’s a bad thing," said the president of the Gypsy Council. "There are some weddings like these, but there are also plenty of normal ones.”

The hugely popular series also has fans among Irish travelers and Romany, reports the Telegraph. “I'm glad this show paints the traveling community in a better light," said one. A statement from the program called the series an "observational documentary made predominantly from the perspective of Gypsies and travelers talking about their own experiences. We have intentionally avoided many commonly held stereotypes and attempted to provide a balanced view."

"There are some weddings like these, but there are also plenty of normal ones.” said the president of the Gypsy Council." You just stuck your foot in your mouth then jammed it in further, dude. "Normal" weddings aren't going to boost ratings. The goofy ones with "200 pound dresses with Christmas lights and mechanical butterflies" will. Welcome to "reality"...